Category Archives: Ned

As you know, Ned believes that most things are better seen through the prism of sport, because sport is embodied cuture, a complex discourse on issues of ethics, aesthetics, identity and economics, and so on. Also, it’s fun. So watching … Continue reading →

The good news for the happy rugby crowds in Dunedin today is that it’s a beautiful early summer’s day. Sunny, warm for this far south, with just a hint of a northerly breeze. The bad news for the skiers is … Continue reading →

I’m heading south tomorrow for the big shindig in Dunedin. And LittleDavyOne is taking a break from Typing and Tapestry studies at Balclutha Polytechnic to join me. So it could be a famously disreputable weekend which we will never discuss … Continue reading →

After sitting next to a very nice Welshman at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night (he seemed a bit annoyed with a mate who had convinced him that Warren Gatland had a masterplan to sneak a famous victory against the All Blacks, … Continue reading →

The news from Florida this morning is outrageous and contemptuous. Sadly, what it is not is new news. Homophobia and American gun massacres are part of our landscape. One way – just one of them, not the most important, but also … Continue reading →

Yes, yes, yes. The All Blacks are favourites to win tonight. The TAB has them at $1.07, with Wales at $7.50, and the winning margin split at 17.5 points. We play the game not to see how clever the bookies … Continue reading →

Now this one is from 31 May 1969: the first test, played at Lancaster Park. And it’s worth remembering for a few things, starting with some names that will generate a frisson of excitement for kiwis of a certain age. For the … Continue reading →

It is not fair to compare the newish players stepping into the shoes of Woodcock, McCaw, Carter, Nonu and Smith, as selected by Shag for the first test against the Welsh So that is what I will now do, because … Continue reading →

Okay, so it was 19 December 1953, but it’s worth remembering if only because the boyos remember it. It was at the Cardiff Arms Park – the real one, not the hootsie-tootsie Millennium Stadium built next door. The Welsh team … Continue reading →

I have a soft spot and a great deal of sympathy for the Welsh. Sympathy first: they have to live next door to the English, have Charles as their Prince, and listen to their language being eternally mangled. The soft … Continue reading →